Gachagua sets May 9 for Ol Kalou DCP nominations

Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua on Wednesday met aspirants seeking the party’s ticket for the upcoming Ol Kalou Constituency by-election and announced May 9, 2026, as the date for party nominations to determine the flagbearer.

The former Deputy President said the party had reviewed and affirmed the nomination process together with the Chairperson of the National Election Board and other senior officials ahead of the July 16 by-election.

In a statement on his X account, Gachagua said the aspirants had agreed to a free, fair and credible nomination exercise and committed to respecting the final outcome.

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“This morning, I met with aspirants seeking to fly the DCP PARTY flag in the upcoming Olkalou by-election scheduled for July 16, 2026,” Gachagua said.

He said the party would not impose a candidate through consensus or internal arrangements, insisting that the choice would be left to voters.

“The decision on who will carry the party flag will be made solely by the people of Olkalou. There will be no consensus arrangements or boardroom decisions. This choice belongs to the voters,” he said.

Gachagua noted that the aspirants had expressed satisfaction with the nomination arrangements already in place and had pledged to rally behind the eventual winner after the May 9 exercise.

“The aspirants have expressed satisfaction with the arrangements in place and have committed to a free, fair, and credible nomination exercise. They have further agreed to respect the outcome and rally behind the eventual winner,” he said.

He called on residents of Ol Kalou to turn out in large numbers during the nominations, saying the outcome would determine the party’s parliamentary candidate.

“I call upon the people of Ol Kalou to turn out in large numbers on May 9, 2026 and elect the DCP candidate, bearing in mind that this decision will ultimately determine their next Member of Parliament from our great party,” he said.

The DCP leader also urged all aspirants to conduct peaceful campaigns and maintain discipline, saying party strength would depend on unity after nominations.

The nine aspirants are Wakili Kiragu Wathuta, Isaac Ndirangu, Kevin Ndungu Waweru, James Waithaka Kariuki, Stephen Kimani Muturi, Peter Mwangi Karanja, Paul Waiganjo, Kamau Ngotho and Gabriel Gatinu Wambui.

“I also urge all nine aspirants to conduct their campaigns with respect, discipline, and decorum, knowing that whoever emerges victorious will carry the collective strength and support of the rest,” Gachagua said.

The Ol Kalou by-election is expected to attract political attention as parties seek to test their strength in the Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election.

For DCP, the contest is likely to serve as a key political test as Gachagua seeks to consolidate support and expand the party’s presence in the region.